PRESS RELEASE
VIZ MEDIA AND NCM FATHOM TEAM UP FOR U.S. PREMIERE OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ANIMATED FEATURE BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY
Full-length Animated Feature Based on Best-selling Series Coming to the Big Screen in More than 300 Movie Theatres Nationwide on June 11 & 12
Centennial, Colo., May 14, 2008 – National CineMedia’s Fathom brings anime back to the big screen for two nights only in the U.S. debut of the epic action anime hit, BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY in more than 300 theatres across the country on June 11 th and 12 th at 7:30 p.m. local time.
Adapted from the popular animated television series and best-selling manga (graphic novel) series, the BLEACH THE MOVIE : MEMORIES OF NOBODY in-theatre event promises to be the ultimate anime experience and features an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the talent behind the characters and a first-time ever interview with acclaimed Japanese director Noriyuki Abe.
Tickets for this special anime event (which has been dubbed in English for American audiences) are available at presenting theatre box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theatre locations and prices, please visit the BLEACH THE MOVIE : MEMORIES OF NOBODY event details page ( theatres are subject to change ).
“This premiere will offer a rare opportunity to see a brand new story inspired by the successful animated series,” said Liza Coppola, senior vice president, corporate relations & partnerships, VIZ Media. “For those not yet familiar with the BLEACH series , this is a wonderful introduction to the characters and thrilling action that have made the property a hit in North America.” VIZ Media Partners With NCM Fathom To Present BLEACH: THE MOVIE Page 2
Acclaimed Japanese creator Tite Kubo illustrates the story of “Blanks,” unidentified beings who are being followed by a Soul Reaper named Senna who makes them disappear. Puzzled by these unknown beings and the mysterious girl who follows them, Ichigo and Rukia set out to learn more, but uncover an evil plot when a menacing clan tries to kidnap Senna. Can Ichigo and his fellow Soul Reapers save the World of the Living and the Soul Society worlds from annihilation?
Presented by NCM Fathom and VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), BLEACH THE MOVIE : MEMORIES OF NOBODY appears on the big screen in high-definition with Cinema Surround Sound in more than 300 select AMC, Celebration! Cinema, Cinemark USA Inc., Clearview Cinemas, Georgia Theatre Company, Goodrich Quality Theaters, Kerasotes ShowPlace Theatres, National Amusements and Regal Entertainment Group movie theatres, as well as the Penn Cinema (Lititz, PA) through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network.
“NCM Fathom has experienced great success bringing anime events to movie theatres and we are excited to bring BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY to anime fans across the country this summer,” said Dan Diamond, vice president of NCM Fathom.
The manga series BLEACH has been licensed in more than a dozen countries, selling over 50 million copies in Japan alone. In North America, the popular animated series is viewed weekly by millions on cable television. For more information on BLEACH and BLEACH THE MOVIE: MEMORIES OF NOBODY , visit bleach.viz.com.
About National CineMedia, LLC National CineMedia (NCM) LLC operates the largest digital in-theatre network in North America through long-term agreements with its founding members, AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark USA Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), the three largest theatre operators in the U.S., and through multi-year agreements with several other theatre operators. NCM LLC produces and distributes its FirstLook pre feature program; cinema and lobby advertising products; comprehensive meeting and event services and other entertainment programming content. NCM LLC's national network includes over 15,400 screens of which over 13,550 are part of the company's Digital Content Network (DCN). NCM LLC's network covers 170 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50). During 2007, approximately 625 million patrons attended movies shown in theatres currently included in our network (excluding AMC Loews & Hollywood Theaters). National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 43.6% interest in and is the managing member of NCM LLC. For additional information, visit www.ncm.com or www.FathomEvents.com.
About VIZ Media, LLC Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs and audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, VIZ Media Partners With NCM Fathom To Present BLEACH: THE MOVIE Page 3 television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Michelle Portillo Hannah Kampf or Eve Samuels NCM Fathom Scoop Marketing for NCM Fathom (303) 792-8651 (213) 639-6159 / (213) 639-6166 [email protected] [email protected] / [email protected]
Evelyn Dubocq VIZ Pictures (415)644-9238 [email protected]